In a chance encounter on public transportation, the author found themselves engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with a self-proclaimed ideologue who dismissed the artistic merit of television. This encounter sparked a deeper exploration into the complex relationship between the mediums of film and television, challenging preconceived notions and delving into the nuances of artistic expression across different platforms.

Challenging the Conventional Wisdom: A Clash of Perspectives

### The Ideologue's StanceThe author's chance encounter with a middle-aged man on Boston public transportation set the stage for a lively debate. The stranger, who introduced himself as a former Emerson professor, expressed a strong aversion to the art of television, claiming that it was created solely for profit and could not be considered a form of art. He firmly believed that film, on the other hand, was the true artistic medium, attributing its creation to the pioneering work of the Lumière brothers.### The Author's RebuttalIntrigued by the ideologue's stance, the author initially attempted to engage in a discussion about their mutual appreciation for the television series "Twin Peaks," only to be met with a dismissive response. The man's unwavering belief that no television show could be considered art left the author puzzled, prompting a search for a counterargument.### The Cinematic Nature of "Twin Peaks"The author's mind wandered back to the show that had sparked the conversation, recognizing the revolutionary nature of "Twin Peaks" in the context of early 1990s television. The series' cinematic approach, with its intricate storytelling and visual style, challenged the prevailing norms of the medium. However, the author's personal attachment to the show also made them vulnerable to the ideologue's argument, as they grappled with the network's interference that ultimately led to the show's decline.### The Blurred Lines Between Film and TelevisionThe author's reflection on the ideologue's stance led to a deeper exploration of the relationship between film and television. While the ideologue argued that television was inherently devoid of artistic merit due to its commercial nature, the author recognized that the film industry was equally susceptible to studio interference and the pursuit of profit. The example of Orson Welles' "The Magnificent Ambersons" demonstrated that even acclaimed filmmakers were not immune to the influence of commercial interests.### The Evolving Perception of TelevisionThe author acknowledged that the ideologue's perspective was not entirely unfounded, as there had been a historical bias against television as a legitimate art form. The rise of groundbreaking television series like "The Sopranos" and "The Wire" had gradually shifted the public's perception, leading to a newfound respect for the medium. However, the author also recognized that the ideologue's views might be rooted in a more deeply ingrained cultural bias, one that had been slow to adapt to the changing landscape of television.